I worked for years in many capacities in schools in Washington State, Washington DC, and Alaska. I've worked in large Seattle schools, tiny bush villages with Yup'ik Eskimo students, residential deaf schools, and small and large mainstream rural schools. I've been a substitute teachers aide, sign language interpreter, dorm assistant, after-school program teacher, among many other jobs prior to becoming a school psychologist and psychotherapist.

For several years, I was a school psychologist and a Deaf program coordinator and school psychologist in Alaska, prior to opening my full-time psychotherapy practice in Anchorage in 2001. In 2010 I moved to Washington State where I continue my coaching practice via distance delivery.

I've witnessed the long hours teachers, principals, and paraprofessionals devote to their classrooms and their professional development. After learning about, using, and teaching mindfulness and meditation to my clients, I now am helping teachers- to find a better work-life balance individually and in monthly group sessions.

These groups will help the participants of course, but will also benefit school districts who struggle with teacher retention.

My Mindfulness and Self Care Groups for Teachers will help participants:

~ enjoy their jobs and students more

~ learn the benefits of employing mindfulness techniques

~ practice and use mindfulness techniques on a regular basis

~ support, and be supported by other the other teachers in the groups.

The Mindfulness Group focuses on practicing and incorporating Mindfulness techniques into your life and classroom.

The Self Care Group focuses on 6 key habits ( one of which is Mindfulness) that are crucial for a happier, healthier, balanced and more peaceful life.

I developed this program and the key habits from my many years providing therapy. These key anyone and everyone -particularly those in helping professions, such as school employees, those in the medical field, policemen, stay at home parents, caregivers etc. I teach and tools to implement the habits. and provide the support necessary to create the habits and remove all barriers to success. The group will support each others' habits and efforts throughout the school year. These habits result in improved physical and emotional health, happiness, less stress and more calm in life, and the classroom.

Check out the following resources that address common challenges faced by educators and other helping professionals by clicking here

Are
you just having a bad day, or is it time to quit your job? Or are you
in serious need of some R&R (if only you could find the time)?
Answering these ten questions should point you in the right
direction... or confirm what you already suspect.

"The
purpose of mindfully labeling thoughts and feelings is to recognize
that they’re distinct from the person who’s having them. You are not
your thoughts and feelings; they come and go while you remain yourself."

"Shallow
breathing ('chest breathing') can result in a vicious cycle: We breathe
shallowly because we’re under stress, which makes the body feel it’s
not getting enough air... Relaxed abdominal breathing ('belly
breathing') is one of nature’s best anti-stress medicines."

It isn't a treat if you're not enjoying it. This
chart can help you truly appreciate what you're eating by slowing down
and noticing not just the flavor but also the texture, scent, color, and
even sound.

"Most
of us have some type of behavior that’s gotten us into trouble. It
could be overeating, drinking too much, using drugs, or responding with
anger and aggression. Think about what triggers (causes) you to engage
in this behavior... What is your plan to deal with those factors you can
control? What about the ones you can’t?"

Free personal advice, from "an online inter-generational program pairing advice seekers with a network of seniors (“Elders”) who provide empathetic, caring, and supportive advice based on their own life experiences."